Light Jet
Fast, Efficient, and Built for the Majority of Domestic Routes
Light jets are the most frequently booked category in private aviation. They cover the broad middle of domestic travel efficiently: two to four hours, up to seven passengers, with access to a wider range of airports than larger aircraft allow.
The cabin is compact but purpose-built. Most light jets offer club seating, individual work surfaces, and WiFi on newer models. Luggage capacity is measured rather than generous, which is worth knowing before you pack for a week.
The value-to-comfort ratio in this category is the highest in the fleet. If your trip is under 1,800 nautical miles and your group is four people or fewer, a light jet is almost always the right starting point.
Every light jet in the Elevate network is verified under the Elevate Assurance Pledge before booking confirmation. Crew qualifications, maintenance records, insurance, and operator financial stability are reviewed on every departure.
Aircraft Types
Light Jet
Specifications at a Glance
Up to 6 passengers | Up to 3 hours
1,450 — 1,971 NM
430 — 520 mph
4.6 — 4.9 ft
65 — 76 ft³
Aircrafts in This Category
- Beechjet 400 / 400A
- Citation CJ2+
- Citation CJ3 / CJ3+
- Citation CJ4
- Citation Bravo
- Citation Encore
- Citation Excel
- Phenom 300
- Lear 31
- Lear 75
- Hawker 400XP
- Nextant 400
- Premier 1A
Best For
East Coast corridors and regional domestic routes. Groups of two to four. Business travel where speed and cost efficiency matter more than cabin space. Popular routes in this category include New York to Miami, Dallas to Denver, Los Angeles to San Francisco, and Chicago to Atlanta.
Popular Routes
| Routes | Flight Time | Passengers | Typical Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (KTEB) to Miami, FL (KFLL) | ~2.5 hrs | Up to 6 | Phenom 300 |
| Dallas, TX (KDAL) to Denver, CO (KDEN) | ~1.5 hrs | Up to 6 | Citation CJ3+ |
| Los Angeles (KLAX) to San Francisco (KSQL) | ~1 hr | Up to 7 | Citation CJ4 |
| Chicago, IL (KMDW) to Atlanta, GA (KPDK) | ~2hrs | Up to 7 | Hawker 400XP |
| Boston, MA (KBOS) to Washington DC (KIAD) | ~1.5 hrs | Up to 6 | Lear 31 |
| Houston, TX (KHOU) to Nashville, TN (KBNA) | ~1.5 hrs | Up to 7 | Citation Encore |
Search, compare prices, and book your light jet instantly. Our Aviation Client Advisors are available via text, email or phone every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
A light jet is a small, twin-engine business jet designed for short to medium-range private travel. Light jets typically seat four to seven passengers, cruise between 430 and 520 mph, and are optimized for domestic routes under four hours. They access a wider range of airports than midsize or heavy jets, including many regional and secondary airports that larger aircraft cannot use.
Light jets in the Elevate fleet have a nonstop range of 1,450 to 1,971 nautical miles depending on the aircraft, payload, and route. This covers most single-segment domestic US routes. The Phenom 300 and Citation CJ4 sit at the upper end of range in this category.
Most light jets seat four to seven passengers in a single-aisle cabin. Four passengers is the most comfortable configuration for most aircraft in this category. Seven seats is the maximum and typically involves a tighter arrangement.
Midsize jets offer a larger cabin, greater luggage capacity, longer range, and stand-up cabin height on most models. Light jets are faster to board, less expensive to charter, and accessible at more airports. For groups of four or fewer on routes under 1,800 nautical miles, a light jet is usually the more efficient choice. For groups of five or more, or routes requiring transcontinental range, a midsize jet is worth the additional cost.
Most light jets can fly coast to coast with one fuel stop. The Phenom 300 and Citation CJ4 have the range to attempt nonstop transcontinental routing under favorable conditions, but wind and payload typically make a stop necessary. If nonstop coast-to-coast range is a requirement, a midsize or super midsize jet is the better choice.
WiFi availability varies by aircraft and operator. Newer aircraft in the Elevate fleet, including the Phenom 300, are more likely to have connectivity. Availability is confirmed at the time of booking. The Azurite Jet Card includes a WiFi guarantee on midsize and above.
Light jet charter pricing depends on route, aircraft positioning, date, and market conditions. Ruby prices your specific trip instantly and locks the rate at booking. There are no fuel surcharges and no post-flight adjustments. Enter your route in the Elevate Jet app to see the current price.
The Phenom 300 is among the most widely chartered light jets in the world, known for its range, speed, and cabin quality relative to its class. The Citation CJ3+ and Citation CJ4 are also frequently requested for domestic routes. Aircraft availability on your specific route is confirmed in real time by Ruby.